Travel and Tourism

Travel and Tourism in Suriname

Travel alerts, currency, climate, transit, health, and safety information for visitors to Suriname.

Practical Information

Travel alert status, currency, climate, and transit details.

Travel Alert Status: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Time Difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Currency: Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
Climate: Suriname's climate is tropical, hot and humid year-round. Daytime temperatures in Paramaribo average 75°F to 90°F. Temperatures in the interior, not moderated by the steady coastal breezes, are generally higher. Seasons are distinguished mainly by more or less rain, with annual rainfall averaging 87 inches. Indeed, locals will tell you that the four seasons of Suriname are: 1) Little Rainy Season (December to February); 2) Little Dry Season (March to April); 3) Big Rainy Season (May to August); and Big Dry Season (September to November). The hottest months of the year are September and October when temperatures average 90 ï¿½F (32 ï¿½C). Suriname lies outside hurricane and earthquake zones. Parts of Paramaribo experience heavy flooding. Isolated flooding occurs on some city streets and in low-lying areas of Paramaribo for up to 24 hours at a time.
Ethnic Groups: Hindustani (also known locally as ""East Indians""; their ancestors emigrated from northern India in the latter part of the 19th century) 37%, Creole (mixed white and black) 31%, Javanese 15%, ""Maroons"" (their African ancestors were brought to the count
National Holiday: Independence Day, 25 November (1975)
Geographic Coordinates: 4 00 N, 56 00 W
Location: Northern South America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between French Guiana and Guyana
Airports: 46

Health and Safety

Medical facilities, vaccinations, disease risk, and sanitation conditions.

Medical Facilities and Care

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Medical care, including emergency medical care, is limited in many areas and does not meet U.S. standards. There is one public emergency room in Paramaribo, and only a small ambulance fleet providing emergency transport with limited first response capabilities. The emergency room has no neurosurgeon, and other medical specialists may not always be available. In general, hospital facilities are not air conditioned, although private rooms with individual air conditioning are available at extra cost and on a space-available basis. Emergency medical care outside Paramaribo is limited, and is virtually non-existent in the interior of the country. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. Rabies risk is present; all dog and bat bites or scratches should be taken seriously and post-exposure prophylaxis sought. Insect precautions are recommended. Due to the presence of Schistosomiasis in some of the freshwater bodies, avoidance of freshwater exposure is recommended.
Accessibility: While in Suriname, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from that in the United States. Currently, there are no laws or programs to insure that persons with disabilities have access to buildings. The sidewalks are not adequately built to accommodate persons with disabilities, and similarly, taxis and other public transportation do not provide proper assistance to individuals with disabilities.

Disease Risk

Degree of Risk: very high
Food and Waterborne Diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
Vectorborne Diseases: dengue fever and malaria

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